GEAR ON TEST – Ixon Raptor jacket, Ixon Guardian back protector
Ixon ‘Raptor’ textile jacket
With most of us doing most of our riding in summer, it’s a good idea to get a more versatile jacket – one that’s safe and functional, but also usable and comfortable in the hotter months.
I used to struggle balancing a safe jacket option with one that can keep me cool through those stinking hot Aussie summer days, but I reckon I’ve found the solution in the Ixon Raptor.
A textile jacket, the Raptor has three layers: the main outer one; a breathable waterproof layer; and an insulation layer. Ixon refer to it as a 3-in-1 jacket and that’s pretty accurate.
With high temperatures – and I mean absolutely scorching - in Sydney this past summer, I detached both of the Raptor’s removable layers for most of my riding, but still felt safe as well as super comfortable in the Raptor.
When I get off my bike, I normally reach for the zip to get the jacket off straight away, as I’m overheating. But wearing the Raptor, I was at ease and comfortable thanks to its ventilated mesh panels on the front, back and sleeves.
When the wind picked up in the evenings, the other layers went back on and seemed to work a treat.
The Raptor’s built-in elbow and shoulder protection is CE approved (meaning it is within the European motorcycle safety standards, since Australia doesn’t really have a clothing standard). There’s provision for a back protector, that’s also CE approved, but not included.
Other Raptor features include a soft neoprene collar, gusseted cuffs, adjustable fastening of the waist, biceps and cuffs, plus a zip connection for trousers. Pockets include two external, four internal and one waterproof wallet pocket.
Overall, the Raptor is a great lightweight summer jacket. It’s recently been reduced in price, too, which makes it even greater!
Available in black/red, black/white and black/grey/bright yellow and men’s S-3XL sizes.
$299.95 RRP
Ixon ‘Guardian Sport’ back protector
There’s probably may riders who, like me, either don’t wear a back protector regularly when road riding, or worse still, don’t wear one at all.
In the past, I’ve only ever worn a racewear back protector which is a more substantial unit that’s strapped to your body and goes all the way down your back, so the Ixon Guardian Sport back protector – particularly its compact size - was new to me.
At the lower end of the Ficeda catalogue, the Guardian Sport slotted into a little pocket in the back of my Ixon Raptor jacket and attaches more securely using an Ixon-specific fastening system, too. Designed for use with most Ixon jackets, I suspect the Guardian Sport would fit the back protector pockets of most other brands of riding jacket, too.
Made out of a hard but flexible polyurethane foam, the Guardian Sport is Level 1 CE Certified for safety. Ergonomically designed to fit the spine and ribbed for extra comfort, it’s also perforated to allow air flow in summer.
As fitted to my Ixon Raptor jacket, the back protector sat comfortably, so I didn’t really feel it and, as such, didn’t have to think about it too much, either. The only real downside is when you take your jacket off to hang up, there’s another item to peel off, but that minor inconvenience is nothing compared to the Guardian Sport’s potential to keep you out of a wheelchair.
If you’re looking for some extra padded projection on the road, the Ixon Guardian Sport back protector makes for a good gadget to add to your jacket.
Available in Small and Medium sizes.
$44.95 RRP
